Chittagong Stock Exchange PLC (CSE) organized a discussion titled “Discussion on Launching Commodity Exchange in Bangladesh” at Hotel Sheraton, Dhaka. The event was attended by managing directors and chairpersons of leading banks in Bangladesh.
The Chief Guest of the event was Mr. Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, former Commerce Minister of Bangladesh and founding President of CSE. Special Guest Mr. M.K.M. Mohiuddin, former President of CSE, was also present. CSE Chairman Mr. A.K.M. Habibur Rahman, Directors Professor Dr. Md. Saiful Islam, Dr. Mahmud Hasan, M. Zulfikar Hossain, Major (Retd.) Emdadul Islam, and Mohammad Nasir Uddin Chowdhury attended the event. The keynote presentation was delivered by CSE Managing Director Mr. M. Saifur Rahman Majumdar, FCA, FCMA, alongside all senior officials of CSE.
In his welcome speech, CSE Chairman Mr. A.K.M. Habibur Rahman highlighted that a commodity exchange is a completely new concept for Bangladesh and represents a new asset class for the capital market. He emphasized that developing infrastructure in the country’s commodity ecosystem will create a more efficient and organized market system. A well-regulated and inclusive commodity derivatives market will facilitate price discovery, hedging, and attract new investments, benefiting both institutional and retail investors. Establishing Bangladesh’s first commodity exchange is a matter of pride, and the Chairman sought the full cooperation of all stakeholders.
Major (Retd.) Emdadul Islam recalled the dynamic role of Mr. Amir Khasru in establishing CSE and developing the capital market. He noted that the discussion was a form of awareness-building session and expressed optimism that CSE’s efforts to establish the first commodity exchange in Bangladesh will succeed with collective support.
Special Guest M.K.M. Mohiuddin praised the preparation and determination of the CSE team, noting that the presentation and Q&A session demonstrated that the team is fully prepared and confident to launch the commodity exchange. He highlighted that, as this is a new concept in Bangladesh, learning and understanding are essential, and urged banks to participate as pivotal stakeholders.
Representatives from various banks also spoke. Abdul Hai Sarkar, Chairman of Dhaka Bank, emphasized that although prior attempts to establish a commodity market were unsuccessful, CSE’s current initiative is courageous and worthy of support. He highlighted the global importance of commodity markets and expressed hope that this new market will contribute significantly to the overall development of the Bangladeshi economy.
Chief Guest Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury underscored that Bangladesh’s capital market has not yet reached its full potential. He noted that banks often provide short-term loans for long-term purposes, but the capital market itself is a platform for long-term investment. To enhance economic dynamism, product diversification in the market is essential. The launch of new products, including bonds and commodities, will strengthen the economy. He encouraged banks and investors to actively participate, noting that investments in this new market will open a “new window” on balance sheets and attract overseas Bangladeshis to invest. He described the derivatives market as a promising segment capable of driving economic growth and welcomed CSE’s initiative to establish the commodity exchange.
Participants and speakers at the session discussed the potential business opportunities of a commodity derivatives exchange platform, global experiences, operational frameworks, and economic impacts. They emphasized transparency, structured management, and risk management in forming the derivatives market, which is highly relevant to Bangladesh. Attendees shared their views and expressed commitment to actively participate in this new asset class, which will act as a key regulator for the economy.
CSE Director Mohammad Nasir Uddin Chowdhury stressed that banks must play an essential role in establishing the commodity exchange. They should engage their subsidiary stock brokers and support market expansion and diversification.
During the Q&A session, CSE Managing Director M. Saifur Rahman Majumdar, FCA, FCMA, General Manager Md. Mejbah Uddin, Md. Mortuza Alam, and AGM Faisal Huda participated.
CSE Chairman A.K.M. Habibur Rahman thanked all attendees and formally concluded the discussion session.
